WSJ Confirms Sharp to Supply LCDs for iPad 3

The Wall Street Journal’s latest report confirms sources have identified Japanese-based Sharp to supply the next LCD panels for the iPad 3:

Apple Inc. is adding Sharp Corp. as a maker of screens used in the next-generation iPad, people familiar with the situation said Thursday, as the U.S. consumer electronics company moves to diversify component suppliers for its products.

One of the people familiar with the matter said Apple’s next iPad is expected to launch next year, and Sharp’s Kameyama No. 2 plant in central Japan will manufacture LCD panels for the device.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard reports of Sharp as a supplier of LCD screens. Back in August, rumours noted Apple was investing up to $1 billion in manufacturing plans in Japan to ensure a steady supply of iPad and iPhone screens. The WSJ report also confirmed this, according to their sources. The latest iPad 3 rumours have hinted at an even thinner design with a higher resolution Retina Display.